In Gardner, supporters of Wood's Ambulance oppose seeking bids from other providers

Monday

Feb 3, 2014 at 9:42 PM

By George Barnes TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

GARDNER — The City Council has no say over who will be the city's ambulance provider, but most still offered their opinion last night, mostly in support of Wood's Ambulance Service.

Many of the seats in the council chambers were filled Monday night with employees or supporters of the local ambulance company, which has been providing ambulance and medical transport services in the city for 60 years. Although it was not on the agenda for the council meeting, councilors offered their views on plans by Mayor Mark P. Hawke to seek proposals rather than negotiating a new contract with Wood's.

"To take this for a few bucks and throw Wood's Ambulance under the rug, I find this appalling," said City Councilor Marc Morgan.

Mr. Morgan said he heard from many residents who said they wanted the city to keep contracting with Wood's. He said the proposals should also include rates residents pay when they use the ambulance service, not just what the city gets back for allowing the contract.

Councilor Karen Hardern, first making it clear she was not meaning disrespect to the mayor, said she thought the city promoted shopping local. She said Wood's has been in the city for 60 years and employs 75 local people. She said people she talked to told her they were very satisfied with the current service.

Councilor Nate Boudreau, who referred to the large crowd of Wood's supporters as "the elephant in the room," said the city has always stressed community as being important.

"That should be noted when we make a decision," he said.

Councilor Jeffrey Palmieri stood while speaking on the issue to lend importance to what he was saying. He said the councilors were never informed of the changed approach the mayor was taking. He said the bids deal with both money and intangibles.

"The people of Gardner are definitely aware of the intangibles Wood's has had to offer," he said.

Councilors Matthew Vance and James Johnson both said seeking proposals made sense but also said the cost to the residents should be included.

Councilor Scott Graves also reminded councilors that they have no say in the contract other than to give the mayor the information they have received about an issue.

Mr. Hawke was unmoved by the talk at the council meeting.

"I don't think it has been turned into a we against Wood's," he said.

The mayor said if there is a better offer the city would be foolish not to see it. The proposals were due Monday, but the mayor extended the deadline to Feb. 13. He said the new proposals will include what residents would pay for the services.

The council also rejected placing $217,010 in a stabilization account, failing to reach a two-thirds majority in a 7-4 vote in favor. Mr. Hawke said the vote was a mistake and would cost the city money through higher bond rates.

Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG